Schloss Arensburg, Medieval castle in Steinbergen, Germany
Schloss Arensburg is a three-story castle in Steinbergen featuring half-timbered walls and a polygonal stair tower. It sits within a 14-hectare protected park that contains various outbuildings surrounding the main structure.
The castle was founded around 1300 by Count Adolf VI of Schaumburg atop a steep hilltop as a military fortress. By 1560 it transformed into a residential palace, leaving behind its original defensive purpose.
The nine ponds below the castle are called Hexenteiche, marking a dark chapter in local history. Visitors can still see these waters today and sense the weight of what took place here centuries ago.
The site sits on steep terrain, so visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and some climbing. Check beforehand which areas are open to the public, as ongoing restoration work may limit access to certain sections.
From 1951 to 1982 the medieval castle served as a highway rest stop for travelers. This surprising chapter shows how the building found an unexpected way to remain useful during difficult decades.
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